How to apply

Applications for entry in 2026 are now open. To apply, please click on the application form link on this page.

Up to 13 fully funded 4-year PhD studentships in the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Accelerated Medicine Design & Development 

Our Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) provides doctoral level education in a multidisciplinary environment uniting university, industry researchers and clinical partners.  We train student cohorts using advanced experimental and computational methods to optimise and predict medicines design, development, translation and performance.

The Centre provides world-leading doctoral training to future leaders from all backgrounds in pharmaceuticals and medical technology.   Students engage in innovation and entrepreneurship activities, conferences, team working, problem solving, and outreach, with industry and clinical involvement. Our curriculum foregrounds personal researcher development through provision of transferable skills and incorporation of equity principles within training and research. It includes training projects in academic and industry sites and “miniMD” placement at clinical partner sites.

Please note that applications are to join the CDT, rather than for a specific PhD research project. The PhD project topics for 2026 students will be generated during an event within the first six months of the programme, in early 2027. This will be a collaborative process involving students, academics, and our industry and clinical partners.

Our Commitment to Fair and Inclusive Recruitment

We anonymise all applications to remove any personal information and protected characteristics data. This ensures that all candidates are assessed solely on their qualifications and experience.

Our shortlisting process is conducted blind to further ensure fairness. The shortlisting panel reviews anonymised applications without access to personal details or degree classifications.

Why study with us?  

• Fully funded PhD studentships at leading UK universities 

• Incorporation of equity principles in all activities, including recruitment, training, supervision and mentoring

• Diverse PhD projects across various disciplines 

• Network with alumni in industry and academia 

• Open innovation environment with academia and industry partners

What do we offer? 

• Up to 5 fully funded studentships at the University of Nottingham (UoN)

• Up to 8 fully funded studentships at University College London (UCL)

• All starting in October 2026

• Competitive tax-free stipends: £21,383 (plus £3,000 London weighting for UCL).

• Generous funding support for research expenses, training, and travel.

• Bespoke student mentoring

• Provision of safe spaces with a focus on the needs of Black and other minoritised backgrounds.

• Opportunities for industry experience and networking 

• Full and part-time positions

• Additional financial support for students with disabilities, and paid parental leave

Entry and funding requirements 

Candidates should have, or expect to obtain, a first or upper-second class degree (Master’s, Bachelor’s or international equivalent) in pharmacy, chemistry, engineering, physics, biology, mathematics or related sciences.  

We particularly encourage applications from candidates with Black and other minoritised backgrounds. 

International applicants are welcome.  Subject to availability, funding for international scholars to receive the same benefits as UK residents can be provided for a limited number of positions. For fee status, consult the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA).

How to apply 

Before you start, please note: CVs, transcripts, and references are not needed at the initial application stage, as our application questions provide all the necessary details for assessment. References will only be requested if you are offered a position.

To apply, please complete the online application form.

For more information, please contact:  

Dr George Regkoukos (sop.amdd-cdt@ucl.ac.uk) University College London

Mr Graham Harrison (pa-amdd-cdt@nottingham.ac.uk) University of Nottingham

Timeline for 2026 entry